Flexible flying disc

ABSTRACT

A toy disc having a recess formed by an upstanding edge connected to a bottom structure. A stabilizing member is disposed in the recess. The toy disc may be thrown in a desired direction.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of patent application Ser. No. 10/369,099 filed Feb. 15, 2003, and fully incorporated herein by reference thereto as if fully repeated verbatim immediately hereafter. Benefit of the Feb. 15, 2003 filing date is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are related to a toy. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a toy disc, and a method for throwing or pitching a toy disc in a desired direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The application of flying-disc projectiles has been widely accepted, both as an active leisure pastime and as a recreational sport. Such conventional devices developed for these purposes were generally fabricated from a rigid material, such as plastic. An inherent disadvantage of those devices was that when hurled through the air, the devices became a dangerous flying implement. For example, if a game participant failed to catch the device, bodily injury could occur from facial impact. Furthermore, an unwary bystander could accidentally be struck in the head or elsewhere because of an errant flight trajectory. Such prior art devices had limited use indoors due to windows, mirrors, table, lamps and other fragile household articles being exposed to damage or breakage.

Previous attempts to provide resiliently yieldable flying saucers typically resulted in planar discs which did not possess ideal aerodynamic characteristics due to insufficient surface curvature or airfoil design. Consequently, the planar discs were deficient in flight duration and stability, glide performance and hovering ability. Such planar devices did not allow easy spinning on a tip of a finger for amusement purposes.

Therefore, what is needed and what has been invented is various embodiments of a toy disc which does not possess the deficiencies of prior art discs. What is further needed and what has been invented is a soft, pliant and flexible disc adaptable for use as an aerodynamic toy. The spongy, elastic consistency of the disc structure provides for relatively harmless cushioned impact upon hitting an object or person.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy disc having a bottom structure and an upstanding edge connected to and circumscribing the bottom structure to form a recess. The toy disc additionally includes a stabilizing member disposed in the recess.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for throwing a toy disc. The method includes providing a toy disc having an upstanding edge connected to a bottom structure, and a stabilizing member disposed on the bottom structure; and throwing the toy disc in a desired direction.

These provisions, together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the following description proceeds, are attained by the methods and assemblies of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the toy disc with insignia and showing a curved saucer-like contour edge configuration for flight dynamics.

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of the toy disc illustrating a circular recess having a bottom-flight structure with a centrally disposed recess, and an upstanding circular edge which is integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure and forms a perimeter around the recess.

FIG. 3 is a partial vertical sectional view of an embodiment of the recess in the bottom-flight structure with the recess having an opening where a plane across the opening is generally flush with the surface of the bottom-flight structure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of the toy disc illustrating the bottom-flight structure including a generally circular recess surrounded by an upstanding, protruding, elevated structure having a generally tapering outer surface.

FIG. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view of the generally circular recess of FIG. 4 illustrating the generally circular recess surrounded by an upstanding, protruding, elevated structure having a generally tapering outer surface.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial segmented perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible flying toy disc shown with a stabilizing ring that is to be placed upon the disc's bottom (the bottom-flight structure) for improved flight dynamics and also highlighting in a dashed-line representation the position of the stabilizing ring on the disc's bottom.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of an embodiment of the stabilizing member having an upstanding edge being thicker than a (bottom) planar member (flight plate), and illustrating the planar member having a centrally disposed recess designed for facilitating the spinning of the flexible flying disc on one's finger.

FIG. 8 is a segmented view of an embodiment of the toy disc showing the stabilizing member of FIG. 7, designed for covering the face of the bottom-flight structure which has an upstanding circular edge integrally coupled thereto and thicker than the bottom-flight structure.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the stabilizing member having an upstanding edge being thicker than a (bottom) planar member (flight plate), and illustrating the planar member integrally secured to the upstanding edge.

FIG. 10 is a segmented view of another embodiment of the toy disc showing a top plan view of the stabilizing member of FIG. 9 designed for covering the bottom-flight structure which generally has an upstanding circular edge integrally coupled thereto and thicker than the bottom-flight structure.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the stabilizing member having an upstanding edge which may, or may not, be thicker than a (bottom) planar member (flight plate), and illustrating the planar member as having secured thereto at least one depending safety member, preferably a continuous ring shaped safety member, which in an embodiment of the invention has an arcuate or curved edge terminating in a straight edge to form a safety member having in vertical cross section the general appearance of a rudder of a boat.

FIG. 12 an enlarged vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the stabilizing member represented as a stabilizing ring including a circular base bound to an upstanding edge which may, or may not, be thicker than the circular base, and illustrating the circular base as having secured thereto at least one depending safety member, preferably a continuous ring shaped safety member, which in an embodiment of the invention has an arcuate or curved edge terminating in a straight edge to form a safety member having in vertical cross section the general appearance of a rudder of a boat.

FIG. 13 is a segmented view of another embodiment of the toy disc showing a top plan view of the stabilizing member of FIG. 12 designed for circumscribing the perimeter of the bottom-flight structure, which generally has an upstanding circular edge integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure, and the edge having a circular recess where the stabilizing member lodges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

Referring in detail now to the drawings wherein similar parts of various embodiments of the invention are represented by like reference numbers, there are seen various embodiments a toy disc, generally illustrated as 10. The toy disc 10 has a bottom-flight structure 14 and an upstanding edge 18 (a curved saucer-like contour edge) integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure 14. For various embodiments of the invention, the upstanding edge 18 is generally thicker than the bottom-flight structure 14. In FIG. 1, toy disc 10 has an insignia 16. The toy disc 10 (i.e., the upstanding edge 18 and the bottom-flight structure 14) may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably a resilient synthetic molded material composite (e.g., foam rubber).

For various embodiments of the invention, the bottom-flight structure 14 and the upstanding edge 18 form a circular recess 20 having the bottom-flight structure 14 with a centrally disposed opening [or recess], generally illustrated as 22. In one embodiment and as best shown in FIG. 3, a plane across the top of the opening 22 is generally flush with the planar surface of the bottom-flight structure 14. In other embodiments of the invention and as best shown in FIG. 5, the opening 22 in the bottom-flight structure 14 is circumscribed by an upstanding, protruding, elevated structure 26 having a generally tapering outer surface 30.

In various embodiments of the invention, the toy disc 10 includes a stabilizing member, generally illustrated as 38 having various embodiments for improving the flight dynamics of the toy disc 10. The stabilizing member 38 may be made from any suitable material, such as a resilient synthetic molded material composite.

In FIGS. 6, 12 and 13 the stabilizing member 38 comprises a ring 42 which includes a generally circular base 46 having coupled thereto an upstanding edge 48 which may or may not be thinker that the circular base 46. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, at least one depending safety member 50 is secured to the circular base 46. Preferably, the depending safety member 50 comprises a continuous ring shaped safety member 54, which in an embodiment of the invention has an arcuate or curved edge 58 terminating in a straight perpendicular edge 62 which in vertical cross section has the general appearance of a rudder of a boat (see FIG. 12). In FIG. 13 there is seen the ring 46 of FIG. 12 circumscribing the perimeter of the bottom-flight structure 14 with the upstanding (circular) edge 18 and the bottom-flight structure 14 respectively having (circular) recesses 66 and 70 wherein the ring 46 lodges.

In various other embodiments of the invention and as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 and 11, the stabilizing member 38 comprises a planar base member 76 having the upstanding edge 48 integrally bound thereto. The planar base member 76 is typically designed to cover the face of the bottom-flight structure 14. In FIG. 7, there is seen the planar base member 76 having a centrally disposed recess 86 designed for facilitating the spinning of the flexible flying toy disc 10 on one's finger. The safety member 50 may be secured to the planar base member 76 as best shown in FIG. 11.

Practice of various embodiments of the present invention employs a disc-shaped toy, preferably a flexible flying disc-shaped toy formed of a resilient synthetic molded material composite (e.g., foam rubber) which may be molded in an integral, saucer-like configuration. The resilient molded material composite provides a cushioning effect when the disc-shaped toy is thrown and caught; thus, making it safe and easier to catch. Embodiments of the disc-shaped toy provide an aerial projectile having aerodynamic flight characteristics which makes it suitable for use as an aerial toy. An edge of the disc-shaped toy possesses a sufficient thickness for providing greater durability and stability in flight, as well as being easier to catch.

Practice of additional embodiments of the disc-shaped toy employs a recessed and/or raised and recessed area concentrically positioned on its associated concave bottom to provide a central location for receiving a finger upon which the toy disc may be spun for enjoyment and amusement by any person. The toy disc may have a skin or fabric covering upon which decorative patterns and other indicia may be imprinted for enabling the toy disc to be used as an advertising novelty. The skin or fabric may be water resistant and possess buoyant characteristics that allow the toy disc to be used in water sports or as a pool toy. The buoyant characteristics of the toy disc are such that when the toy disc is floating in water, a portion of the toy disc extends above the water. The stabilizing ring, or smaller plastic inner disc, enclosed on the underside of the toy disc offers advanced flight stabilizing characteristics and maintains the cushion aspects of the outer disc.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all its embodiments. Therefore, the respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Additionally, any arrows in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, an and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Therefore, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to the particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of the embodiments of the invention will be employed without the corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A toy disc comprising a bottom-flight structure having a thickness, and an upstanding edge integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure and having a thickness greater than the thickness of the bottom-flight structure.
 2. The toy disc of claim 1 wherein said bottom-flight structure having a structure defining a recess generally concentrically disposed thereon.
 3. The toy disc of claim 2 additionally comprising an elevated structure circumscribing the recess.
 4. The toy disc of claim 3 wherein said elevated structure has a sloping outer surface.
 5. The toy disc of claim 4 additionally comprising a stabilizing member disposed on said bottom-flight structure.
 6. The toy disc of claim 5 wherein said bottom-flight structure and said upstanding edge respectively comprise a bottom recess and an edge recess, and said stabilizing member lodges in said bottom recess and said edge recess.
 7. The toy disc of claim 5 wherein said stabilizing member comprises a planar base member and an upstanding stabilizing edge coupled to the planar base member.
 8. A toy disc comprising a bottom-flight structure, an upstanding edge integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure to form a recess, and a stabilizing member disposed in said recess.
 9. The toy disc of claim 8 wherein said stabilizing member comprises a ring member.
 10. The toy disc of claim 9 wherein said stabilizing member additionally comprises a safety member coupled to said ring member.
 11. The toy disc of claim 9 wherein said safety member comprises a vertical cross section defining a curved edge and a generally straight edge terminating in said curved edge.
 12. The toy disc of claim 9 wherein said stabilizing member comprises a planar base member, and an upstanding stabilizing edge coupled to said planar base member.
 13. The toy disc of claim 12 additionally comprising a safety member coupled to the planar base member.
 14. The toy disc of claim 13 wherein said bottom-flight structure and said upstanding edge respectively comprise a bottom recess and an edge recess, and said safety member and said upstanding stabilizing edge respectively lodge in said bottom recess and in said edge recess.
 15. The toy disc of claim 8 wherein said stabilizing member comprises a circular plate member, and an upstanding stabilizing edge coupled to the circular plate member.
 16. The toy disc of claim 15 wherein said circular plate member comprises a structure defining a recess.
 17. The toy disc of claim 15 wherein said upstanding edge is thicker than said bottom-flight structure, and said upstanding stabilizing edge is thicker than said circular plate member.
 18. A method for throwing a toy disc comprising providing a recess defined by a bottom-flight structure coupled to an upstanding edge, and a stabilizing member disposed in said recess; and throwing the toy disc in a desired direction.
 19. The method of claim 18 additionally comprising spinning the toy disc on a finger inserted into a bottom recess in said bottom-flight structure.
 20. The method of claim 18 additionally comprising disposing said toy disc in water, said toy disc possessing sufficient buoyancy such that a structure of the toy disc extends above the water. 